Wick Paths Group mandate is to the maintain and create paths around Wick to provide circular walking routes for all to enjoy and ensure that all paths remain open and accessible to everyone
Estimated Price
4000
1. What do you want to do? (Clearly list the activities you need funding for)
Wick Paths Group, a voluntary community organisation responsible for the care and maintenance of approximately 7.5 miles of public paths within the town of Wick. Our group works year round to keep these well used routes clean, safe, accessible, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
We are seeking funding for a series of essential repair works that have become increasingly urgent due to weathering, erosion, corrosion and general wear. These paths form key active travel and recreational links across the town, and their condition is now impacting public safety and accessibility.
• Riverside Path (North Bank) – Surface Repairs approx. 1500m
Sections of the path have deteriorated significantly, with encroaching vegetation/grass narrowing the path width causing surface breakdown and creating hazards for walkers, runners, cyclists and families. This route is one of the most heavily used in the paths network and is important to local wellbeing and tourism.
• Coastguard Steps – Repair and reinstatement approx. 140m
The steps have suffered over the years from an initial poor design and installation, weather damage and now require stabilisation and resurfacing along with improved hand railings to ensure safe access to the coastal path network. This is an important heritage route and a valued viewpoint for the community. Certain walking groups no longer take this path due to safety concerns.
North Head Path Bridge – Structural repair
The handrails of this small bridge on this route have corroded badly and are now in need of replacement to maintain safe passage. This path is a key link for circular walks along and around the North Head area and is widely used by locals and visitors.
2. Why is your project important for your community? How does it align with your Areas Place Plan?
As a volunteer group, we contribute significant time, labour, and local knowledge to the upkeep of Wick’s path network. However, the scale and technical nature of these repairs exceed what can reasonably be achieved through volunteer effort alone. Support from Highland Council - whether through funding, materials, or partnership working - would allow these essential works to proceed and ensure the long term safety and sustainability of these important community assets.
The project supports several community priorities in the Caithness Area Place Plan including:
• Active Travel & Connectivity
• Health & Wellbeing
• Heritage & Natural Environment
• Inclusive Access
Without intervention, sections of the network are becoming unsafe and inaccessible, undermining community cohesion and discouraging active lifestyles.
3. What positive impact will your project have? (Expected outcomes)
Repairing degraded surfaces, steps and bridge railings will reduce hazards and prevent accidents.
Wider, safer paths will allow more people, including older residents and organised walking groups, to use these routes confidently.
Better-quality infrastructure will support everyday walking and cycling, promoting low‑carbon travel across Wick.
Regular outdoor activity contributes to physical and mental health, benefiting the community year‑round.
Well-maintained riverside and coastal paths improve the visitor experience and support local businesses.
Timely repairs will prevent further deterioration, reducing future maintenance costs.
4. What key milestones have you achieved so far, and what are your next steps?
Community Engagement & Support Evidenced
Wick Paths Group is a long‑standing volunteer organisation with strong local participation and support.
Feedback from walking groups highlights the importance of improving safety, particularly at the Coastguard Steps.
Project Plan / Feasibility / Business Case
– A clear scope of works for each priority location has been defined (Riverside Path, Coastguard Steps, North Head Bridge).
– We have identified repair requirements and indicative costs.
Necessary Consents Obtained
– Permissions have already been secured from relevant landowners and from NatureScot for the Riverside Path works.
Quotes Obtained
– Indicative costings for each project area:
Riverside Path: ~£1,800
Coastguard Steps: ~£1,000
North Head Path Bridge: ~£1,200
Funding Applications Submitted
– This submission represents our Expression of Interest seeking support from Highland Council.
Next Steps
– Secure funding and/or materials.
– Engage contractors or approved partners for technical works.
– Complete works during suitable weather windows.
– Continue volunteer monitoring and maintenance thereafter.
5. Anticipated Start Date / End Date
Start date: May 2026 (subject to funding confirmation and contractor availability)
End date: September 2026 (to align with optimal weather and ground conditions)
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